Everyone has had that one teacher. You know, the one that made you feel that you could do anything you set your mind to. You know, the one that supported & encouraged you even after the school door had closed. For many students at McNairy Elementary, Ms. Vickie Plott has been that teacher.

“I love my job”, “It’s a passion”, “I love to teach”, “I love my ESL [English as a Second Language] students” - - These are a handful of statements that you might hear when talking with Vickie. Vickie said to me, “These students are filled with joy, sweetness, innocence and full of life, regardless of their hardships leaving their countries/ culture behind to begin a new life in USA. The students are like sponges just soaking up new language, new customs and a new life style, they are excited about learning!” She herself was in the same position when she decided to learn Spanish by immersing into the life in Mexico. What was intended to be 6 months quickly turned into a 6 year stay.

Homework Haven, a passion of Vickie’s, is designed to assist ESL students that might otherwise not receive help from parents who don’t speak English. It located within the GlenHaven Apartments & has truly become a Haven for these children. Volunteers of all ages gather every school day to enrich the lives of these students. In her 5+ years of working directly with Homework Haven she not only gives freely of her time to the students but also parents that might have questions or concerns.

First experiences: First sounds, first words, first sentences (in English). To a teacher no words can describe the excitement one feels with time, instruction, patience, compassion, & more patience, things happen! One “first experience” that Vickie provided for her students is their first baseball game ever - Hotdogs, Dippin’ Dots & fireworks show!

In 2015 one of Vickie’s ESL students, Janak Subba, was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor. As Janak grew in his reading skills he had great love for Dr. Seuss books. Due to his cancer treatment he was unable to begin 3rd grade. During his stay at Brenner’s Children Hospital Vickie was with his family each step of the way. When he was nominated for Make-a-Wish his desire was return to McNair & have a Dr. Seuss party with his classmates along with a magician. His wish was granted on March 24, 2016. One week later Janak lost his battle. Janak was 8 years old.

“During Janak's illness Vickie was right there going through it with him & his family - going with them to appointments and helping them to understand what the doctors were saying. This did not stop with his death… She helped raise the funds necessary & helped the family make the decisions they needed to make.” -Barbara Priddy.

“Vickie Plott is probably the most dedicated, caring, & selfless person I have ever met in my entire life & had the privilege of calling my best friend!! Vickie Plott is in ALL forms of the word a Hometown Hero!!!” -Denise Pender

“This is the kind of person my friend Vickie Plott is & will always be. My life has been so enriched by having her friendship.” -Barbara Priddy

If you feel compelled to donate your time or resources to any of these great opportunities, please e-mail me so that I can connect you with Vickie!

From the Table to the World,

Robert

[The photo above is the 2016 McNairy Yearbook, dedicated in memory of Janak.]